Redeployable rooftop solar to be trialled on shopping centres

April 16, 2019

The
Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced funding for an
Australian start up Solpod Pty Ltd (Solpod) to trial installing redeployable
rooftop solar on commercial and government buildings.

Solpod
has developed an innovative new way of fixing solar panels to roofing by using
a re-deployable racking and mounting system, offering the ability to quickly
remove the panels to be deployed elsewhere.

This innovation allows commercial tenants to access rooftop
solar.

The $5 million project will see Solpod’s redeployable solar
panel systems installed at 25 sites across Victoria, New South Wales and
Queensland totalling nearly 2.5 MW capacity, with each site possessing up to
100 KW of solar PV. On behalf of the Australian Government, ARENA is committing
$975,000 towards the project.

In partnership with ERM Power, Solpod will be trialled at shopping centres, commercial and government buildings – owned by property owners including GPT and Property NSW, who will each install 10 pods.

ERM Power sourced and contracted the property owners and is
administering the delivery of the demonstration program for these customers
including billing the Solpod power purchase agreements.

Solpod’s system involves manufacturing prefabricated commercial-scale
solar panels raised on aluminium pods, which are fixed with industrial strength
adhesive to the roof surface. Solpod’s “pods” are manufactured in Melbourne,
and can be installed within hours.

Solpod’s pods will be able to be rolled out in any size
configuration, helping building tenants benefit from rooftop solar PV where
they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

“Solpod’s new way of installing solar will pave the way for businesses who were previously locked out of rooftop solar to take up renewable energy solutions and options under shorter term power purchase agreements,” Mr Miller said.

“This Australian start up will help to accelerate solar PV
innovation and allows for renewable energy alternatives in niche markets,
providing a cost-competitive alternative to standard methods of fixed mounting
for delivering rooftop grid connected solar PV.”

Solpod founder and CEO James Larratt said, “Despite rooftop solar
being cheaper and more sustainable than the grid, many businesses have made the
rational decision to not adopt solar because of other factors such as length of
commitment, disruption on site and damage to buildings. Solpod is the
game-changer that removes these barriers and enables businesses to capture the
savings in energy costs.”

“Solpod’s solution can adapt to meet individual business needs.
For businesses that rent their premises, Solpod can offer short-term contracts
to match lease terms. For landlords, Solpod allows flexibility for changing
site use and will not damage the roof,” he said.